Space companies are breaking into more niche markets as tools on Earth and in orbit become more sophisticated and less expensive than ever before.
Why it matters: Earth-gazing satellites and sensors on the ground connected to satellite systems are giving researchers, governments and companies more insight into what's happening on the planet at any given time — and giving the space industry a more robust business line.
Some 33 million people are under winter storm watches and 27 million others are under wind chill alerts ahead of an Arctic outbreak and a related major storm sweeping the country this week.
Threat level: Arctic air began to bite across the Northern Plains Monday, ahead of the blockbuster storm forming and hammering the Midwest and the Great Lakes later this week. Forecasters are warning of power outages and "extensive" holiday travel delays throughout the Midwest and East.
Hawaiian officials said a flight from Phoenix to Honolulu left 36 people injured Sunday after the plane carrying 278 passengers hit "severe turbulence" near the islands on Sunday morning.
The big picture: The Honolulu Emergency Medical Services said 20 people were taken to local hospitals, including 11 people in serious condition, following the Hawaiian Airlines incident, which occurred as the National Weather Service said a "strong cold front" passing through Hawaii was bringing "weather hazards."
